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Q: Why do we need a 125 Europa Class ?
A:
The existing National and ICC gearbox classes have always
catered for competitors who like the freedom to build, service,
modify and tune their own chassis and motors. But not all
budding racers have the necessary help, time and mechanical
skills to compete at this level. The success of classes like
Rotax Max shows there is a great demand for racing outfits with
electric start, reliable sealed motors and minimal maintenance.
125 Europa provides a similar class but in much more demanding
fast gearbox karts with 6 gears, 38hp motors, 4 wheel brakes and
superb reliability, proper ‘standing starts’ add much excitement
to the grid. Over the past 10 years Europa Karts have shown how
exceptionally close the racing can be; the whole field is often
split by lap times less than a second difference. The drivers
will tell you how just a missed gear or braking point can let
2/3 karts get past!
Q: What makes Europa racing better than open classes ?
A:
Although the racing in other gearbox classes is very
competitive, the field will often quickly spread out due to the
difference in performance between the new and the outdated
outfits. Driver ability can compensate to a degree but those
with top class equipment have usually bought it because they
know how to get the best from it ! Hence you usually have to
spend to get up the front. All Europa outfits are virtually
identical, proper maintenance is all that is required to keep
the performance as good as a new kart. The racing regulations
have been drafted to help maintain this equality of equipment
and give emphasis to driver ability and correct set up. Another
benefit of this control is that it helps to maintain the resale
prices of used outfits; if your kart is still as competitive as
new, at re-sale, it will fetch an excellent price
Q: Europa is supposed to be a budget racing class yet the new
kart is not cheap; surely I could buy a 125 ICC for a similar
price ?A:
You could possibly buy a new 125 ICC for a similar price a new
Europa, you usually get several boxes of bits which would all
have to be assembled to an acceptable standard for racing. If
you wanted to race competitively you may need to have the engine
tuned. After running-in and a dyno test to set it all up the
final price could be considerably more than a new Europa. These
karts do not have on-board starters; you will need a pusher to
bump start the motor and they are very difficult to re-start on
the track after a spin.
125 Europa Karts are supplied fully professionally built and
ready for the track and although it is a budget racing class the
karts are not built from economy or cheap parts. The Europa uses
a championship winning gearbox chassis and electric start ICC
type power unit together with some specially manufactured parts
which are professionally assembled to make a reliable top
quality outfit. The motor specification is very similar to the
ICC class and after running-in it is ready to race competitively
with other Europa’s, and even achieve lap times close to front
running National’s or ICC’s. Any additional outlay would only be
for optional accessories that make no difference to the
performance. A big Europa bonus is the on-board starting,
enabling you to go testing on your own and immediately get going
after a stall or spin, this can save valuable time in a race.
Q: So what does define Europa as a budget racing class ?
A:
Many things, mostly related to the running costs, here’s just a
few:
To remain competitive in other gearbox classes you may need to
frequently spend to keep up to date on the latest racing
goodies, engine tuning, chassis and trick parts. Trying to
extract the last bit of power can mean that seize-ups are quite
common and some competitors have a new piston fitted for each
race meeting.! Many teams have special tools and gauges for
dismantling the engine and setting it up. You would need to
learn about measuring air pressures and atmospheric conditions
for jetting the carb’ to optimise performance and frequent
visits to the dyno would keep the motor at its best. This is
rewarded with excellent fast racing if you have the necessary
budget, older used outfits or those racing on a small budget
rarely finish up the front.
Europa Racing is a controlled one-make class, the engine is
sealed, tuning is forbidden and you are not allowed to use trick
tuning parts. Minimal maintenance on the engines with bi-annual
service is the norm to maintain top performance. Although the
carburettor jetting is variable, differences in performance are
minimal; most competitors usually race their karts ‘out of the
box’. The control ‘LeCont’ slick tyres give exceptional high
grip with excellent durability, many drivers use them for
several meetings before replacement. At £100 + vat a set they
are exceptional value and cheaper than tyres for many other
classes. The control ‘LeCont’ wets are also very competitively
priced at £115 + vat a set. Every competitor races on the same
Europa chassis, eliminating the need to buy and test different
axles, brakes and chassis components etc. This all helps to make
Europa one of the cheapest classes to competitively race in and
a full season can usually be done on a minimal budget.
Q: I am new to kart racing will anyone help me ?
A:
Europa is renowned for its friendly atmosphere; the drivers like
to see as many karts on the track as possible all enjoying the
racing. Should anyone have a problem, from top driver to the
novice, they will rally round to help.
Q: What Europa racing is planned for 2007 ?
A:
The 125 Europa class has its own championship called the ‘EUROPA
CHALLENGE’, it comprises of 7 race meetings at venues throughout
the southern part of the UK, each drivers 6 best results count
towards their final position. The winner receives the ‘Challenge
Trophy’ and the prestige of using the No 1 plate for the
following season, likewise to the 2~9 finishers. Circuits in the
2006 Challenge will include Lydd, Kimbolton, Fulbeck,
Rissington, Buckmore Park, Rye House and Shenington. We also
organise other special Europa events throughout the year. Over
the years Europa karts have always had close ties with the
direct drive classes and we race at circuits not visited by
other gearbox classes, Europa’s racing at Buckmore Park and Rye
House generate spectacular interest.!
Q: I don’t always want to travel to distant venues where else
could I race a Europa ?
A:
Most clubs will usually allow you to enter your Europa in the
125 National or ICC class, you will find it is very competitive
against these and driven well it is often possible finish up the
front. We have raced the new Europa’s amongst 125 National/Open
karts several times and achieved one outright win ! and lap
times within tenths of the fastest ICC’s. As more Europa’s
appear at your local track your club may decide to give them
their own race and club championship, Rye House, our local
circuit, welcomes Europa karts every month.
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